'Every international is important' - Stephen Kenny eyes a return to winning ways as Ireland get set to host Wales

Republic of Ireland boss Stephen Kenny has backed his side to return to winning ways on Sunday afternoon when they host Wales at the Aviva Stadium.

Kenny’s charges come into the game having not won a senior competitive international in their previous seven attempts.

However, the former Longford Town and Dundalk boss cut a positive figure speaking to the media on Saturday evening ahead of the Welsh showdown.  

“We have a lot to consider,” Kenny said. “Obviously, we had the players after playing 120 minutes on Thursday but at the same time every international is important.

“It’s significant for the players, albeit that it’s not taking place in front of a full house. Some may think that dilutes the importance of it, but it still should be an occasion and all the players will want to play.

“Playing for your country is something that all the players are proud to do. They’re hurting after they lost the other night, it’s a huge disappointment that we lost in the manner that we did. The players were excellent.”

The Boys in Green will of course be without Adam Idah and Aaron Connolly after they were confirmed as close contacts of a positive Covid-19 test on late Thursday afternoon.

However, Kenny would not be drawn into a discussion on who was at fault over the dramatic events before kick-off in Bratislava.

“What happens in house should stay in house. Realistically, the person who was a non-essential member of football staff in terms of a crisis situation that travelled, and that’s something that we have to live with.”

He added: “We have a lot of good people here and it’s a situation that’s unprecedented. It’s something that we just have to contend with.



“Without doubt everyone can learn but it’s an unfortunate situation and it’s one that we have to live with.

“The performance itself was exceptional regardless but I would be looking to improve on it again in several aspects, I’m really devastated for the players because they deserved to go through that night.

“We all know the opportunity that existed but to lose in those margins were something that we just have to live with, but I cannot fault the efforts of the players.”

However, the former Derry City boss admits that the defeat is something that his side will have to live with – despite its positives.

“We have to live with it, but it’s something that we’re going to have live with for a long time I think,” he said.

“That’s the nature of penalty shootouts. We had chances to win the game right at the end of the game and during extra-time.



“But Slovakia themselves had efforts and it was a tough game. Even with the players that we were missing – and we had to change a few things at the last minute – it was a good performance.

“The performance of course gave us an indication of what we expect (to see), and we’ll be looking to improve on that.

“But I’m not going to try and spin a situation because we were disappointed to lose and I think that’s just something that we have to expect.

“The players themselves should be very proud of the performance.”

He finished: “That’s life sometimes and when you get kicked in the teeth you have to respond in the right manner, and I think we have the opportunity to do that now against Wales and Finland to try and get back and play well again.

“Every international is significant and every player should be proud to play for Ireland when they’re called upon and they are.

“It’s the highlight of their careers and it should never not be – that’s the way I view it.”